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Traffic stop leads to narcotics arrest

Thu, 08/09/2018 - 2:41pmOurtown1

By:

Leah Chase, SCSO Media Relations

Shelby County Sheriff Willis Blackwell reports the arrest of Christopher Wuyts, 34, of Porter and Nicholas Winder, 23, of The Woodlands, after a recent traffic stop revealed a large amount of cash and currency.

On August 7, 2018 at approximately 4:30 p.m. while on patrol, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) Sergeant Josh Tipton observed a 2001 white Ford pickup at an intersection in Tenaha. Tipton observed both the driver and passenger to be visibly nervous and reaching for items in the vehicle.

When the light turned green, Tipton drove through the intersection continuing to monitor the subjects. Upon passing the vehicle, Tipton observed the driver to make a turn off US Hwy 59 onto a side road without using a turn signal. Tipton turned around and caught up to the vehicle at a stop sign. The vehicle turned back on to US Hwy 59 North failing to signal again.

Tipton ran the vehicle identifiers through the SCSO Communications Division and no record was found on the vehicle. At this time, Tipton turned on his lights and initiated a traffic stop. The vehicle traveled .3 miles before stopping prior to going into Panola County.

Tipton contacted both the driver and passenger who both appeared extremely nervous. While obtaining information regarding travel plans, the stories did not match. At one point during the roadside interview, the driver admitted to having marijuana in the vehicle. After talking to both subjects for an extended period of time, Tipton requested to do a search of the vehicle and permission was denied. Tipton contacted the SCSO Communications Division and requested K-9 assistance from Panola County, if available.

Once on scene, K-9 Roxie performed a free open-air sniff around the vehicle and alerted a positive response of narcotics. A probable cause search was conducted.

During the search, a large quantity of what is believed to be liquid methamphetamine was found. The total weight was over six (6) pounds. Approximately 20 grams of suspected crystal methamphetamine was found, along with a large variety of pills and what is believed to be injectable testosterone as well as anabolic steroids. These items will be sent to the Texas Department of Public Safety lab in Tyler for testing.

During booking at the SCSO, Wuyts, driver of the vehicle, was found to be in possession of $5352.41 in U.S. currency and coins. The currency is believed to be derived from the sale of illegal narcotics. During the investigation, a $50 dollar bill was found to be counterfeit, dropping the total to $5302.41.

Wuyts and Winder were charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance (F-1); Possession of a Controlled Substance (F-3); Forgery (F-3); and Possession of Dangerous Drug (M-A).

Officers assisting with this search included SCSO Lieutenant Del Birdwell, SCSO Deputy Kurtes Lawrence, Constable Pct. 4 Jake Metcalf and DPS Trooper Sean Smith. The SCSO would like to extend great appreciation to Panola County Sheriff Officer Robert Mojica and K-9 Roxie for their assistance with this stop. The SCSO would also like to thank Joey Ross Towing for their assistance with removing the vehicle from the scene.

Seizure paperwork has been filed for the currency and vehicle obtained from this arrest.

Wuyts and Winder are being held at the Shelby County jail on bonds totaling $1, 010,000.00 They were arraigned by 123 District Judge Leann Rafferty.